Sheffield-Sheffield Lake students participate in Walk to School Day

Students from Knollwood Elementary School march across Oster Road as traffic is stopped for them Wednesday in Sheffield. Sheffield students, elementary through high school, took part in National Walk To School Day.

SHEFFIELD-SHEFFIELD LAKE — Some children always walk to school, but Wednesday in Sheffield Village and Sheffield Lake, many more hit the bricks.
Approximately 1,300 students celebrated International Walk to School Day by walking on a path constructed by Sheffield Village with funds from the Safe Routes to School Program.
The path is 1.5 miles long and was constructed last year, connecting Sheffield Lake to the school district, according to Sheffield-Sheffield Lake business manager Tim Pelcic.
Pelcic said 75 percent of the district’s 1,800 students participated in the event.
“We couldn’t have been happier,” Pelcic said. “The kids were just thrilled.”
Students began the walk at 8:30 a.m. at Volunteer Field in Sheffield Lake and ended at Knollwood Elementary on Oster Road in Sheffield Lake, and Sheffield Middle School on Harris Road in Sheffield Village. They were escorted by faculty, parents and local law enforcement.
According to America Walks, a nonprofit organization promoting safe and accessible walking conditions for everyone, brisk walking has been associated with lower mortality rates from cardiovascular disease and cancer.
For more information on Walk to School Days visit walkbiketoschool.org/.